• 24
  • January
    2012

California lawmakers are attempting to enact a new law that would prohibit discrimination against persons who are unemployed. Only one other state has achieved this legal standard to date. Democratic Assemblyman Michael Allen sponsored this important bill and introduced it to the legislature on Jan. 5. The bill sets fines up to $10,000 that could be levied against companies that violate the proposed bill.

The bill would overcome certain common practices among California employers to screen out certain unemployed applicants. One reason this type of discrimination is harmful is that it would target veterans recently separated from military service, women who have taken a maternity leave and other minority groups that have a tendency for high unemployment rates.

Currently, the unemployment rate in California is around 11.3 percent. Nationwide, this same rate is only about 8.5 percent. When unemployed persons face discrimination, it only makes it harder for them to obtain employment. This bill would help to protect the unemployed as they seek reemployment. One study by the National Employment Law Project determined that many online job listings include a provision that requires candidates be currently employed.

Employers in California are bound by law to follow labor laws. This includes specific regulations that apply to wages and hourly rates. An employment discrimination and harassment attorney represents employees or applicants against work conditions that are banned, such as a hostile work environment, workplace retaliation, wrongful termination or other discriminatory acts due to the employee's race, gender, age or religion.

Unfair employment practices and discrimination are illegal; you may be entitled to compensation for discriminatory work practices. Preserve your rights and use the law to serve your best interests. If you feel you have experienced unfair employment practices for any of these reasons, including current work status, contact an employment discrimination and harassment attorney to review your case.

Source: The Huffington Post, "California Considers Outlawing Discrimination Against Unemployment," Ariel Edwards-Levy, Jan. 23, 2012